new(e)gear

Sony on Thursday said the next firmware update for the PlayStation 3 video-game console will add Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0. The update is due out late this month. Known as BD-Live, the update will offer PS3 players interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones and games. Beyond BD-Live, the update will make room for photo and music playlists on PS3 to be copied to a PSP handheld device. It’s all part of Sony’s attempts to evolve the PS3 as a home entertainment hub.

As suspected, Microsoft mentioned this morning that they will lower the price of the high-definition DVD player for its Xbox 360 console. Microsoft said they will reduce the console from $199 to $179, plus add five free movies to anyone who purchases the machine in August or September.

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